One of North Wales’ best-known independent schools is to close its doors this summer after more than a century at the heart of the Bangor community.

St Gerard’s School has confirmed it will cease operating at the end of the academic year on 3 July, with headteacher Campbell Harrison describing the decision as “incredibly difficult”.

In a statement to parents and the wider school community, the school said mounting financial pressures facing the independent education sector had made it impossible to continue, despite efforts to secure the school’s future.

The statement said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the news that St Gerard’s School will close at the end of this academic year.

“This decision has been incredibly difficult and has only been reached after exhausting every possible avenue to sustain the school in the face of growing challenges within the independent education sector.”

The school also pointed to the impact of VAT being applied to private school fees, a change which many independent schools across the UK have warned would place additional strain on family finances and pupil numbers.

Founded more than 100 years ago, St Gerard’s has long been regarded as one of the leading independent schools in North Wales, educating generations of pupils from across Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy.

Located in Bangor, the school has built a reputation for small class sizes, strong academic results and a close-knit pastoral environment. Over the decades it has attracted pupils from both local families and international backgrounds, with many former students going on to careers in business, medicine, the arts and public life.

The closure reflects wider challenges facing the independent school sector across the UK, with rising operating costs, falling birth rates in some areas, increasing staffing pressures and concerns about affordability contributing to uncertainty for smaller schools.

In its statement, the school said supporting pupils, parents and staff through the final weeks of term would now be its priority.

“We understand the deep sense of loss this news brings, and we are committed to supporting everyone with compassion, care and openness in the weeks ahead,” the statement added.

Despite the announcement, lessons, clubs and school trips will continue as planned during the final half-term after pupils return on 1 June.

The school also plans to mark its final weeks with a celebratory Summer Soirée on 2 July, giving former pupils, families and staff the opportunity to reflect on the school’s legacy.

Mr Harrison said: “St Gerard’s has always been a place where learning, friendships and aspirations have flourished.

“Our alumni are a testament to this, with many going on to achieve great success while carrying with them fond memories and experiences formed here.”